About Mastectomy
Key Highlights
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Primary surgical treatment for removing breast cancer.Can significantly reduce the risk of cancer recurrence in the affected breast.For high-risk individuals, it serves as a powerful preventive measure (risk-reducing mastectomy).Often allows for immediate or delayed breast reconstruction to restore body contour.Provides definitive tissue for pathological analysis to guide further treatment.
Who is this surgery for?
- Diagnosis of breast cancer (invasive or non-invasive like DCIS).
- High genetic risk (e.g., BRCA1/BRCA2 gene mutation) for breast cancer.
- Strong family history of breast or ovarian cancer.
- Previous radiation therapy to the chest area, increasing cancer risk.
- Recurrence of breast cancer after prior lumpectomy and radiation.
- Large tumor size relative to breast size, making breast-conserving surgery unsuitable.
- Inflammatory breast cancer.
- Patient preference for mastectomy over breast-conserving therapy.
How to prepare
- Complete pre-operative medical evaluations, including blood tests and imaging (mammogram, MRI).
- Discussion with surgeon and oncologist to finalize the surgical plan and type of mastectomy.
- Consultation with a plastic surgeon if considering immediate reconstruction.
- Discontinuation of certain medications (e.g., blood thinners) as advised by the doctor.
- Fasting for 8-12 hours before the surgery.
- Arranging for help at home and time off work for recovery.
- Psychological preparation and counseling, which may include meeting with a support group.
Risks & possible complications
- Standard surgical risks: bleeding, infection, and adverse reaction to anesthesia.
- Pain, tenderness, and numbness in the chest and arm.
- Formation of hard scar tissue (capsular contracture) if an implant is used.
- Seroma (fluid buildup) or hematoma (blood buildup) at the surgical site.
- Limited arm/shoulder movement or stiffness (frozen shoulder).
- Lymphedema (chronic arm swelling) if lymph nodes are removed.
- Changes in breast and nipple sensation.
- Asymmetry between the breasts.
- Risks associated with reconstruction, such as implant rupture or flap failure.
- Psychological impact, including body image issues and emotional distress.
Recovery & hospital stay
- Hospital stay typically lasts 1-3 days for monitoring and initial pain management.
- Drains are often placed to remove fluid from the surgical site and are removed after 1-2 weeks.
- Pain is managed with prescribed medications; arm and shoulder exercises are crucial to prevent stiffness.
- Stitches or staples are usually removed in 1-2 weeks.
- Avoid heavy lifting, strenuous activity, and driving for 4-6 weeks or as advised.
- Follow-up appointments are scheduled to monitor healing, review pathology reports, and discuss further treatments like chemotherapy or radiation if needed.
- Emotional support through counseling or support groups is highly recommended.
- Wearing a soft support bra is often advised for comfort.
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Typical hospital stay: 1-3 days
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Expected recovery time: 4-6 weeks for basic recovery; 6-12 months for full recovery and adjustment, especially with reconstruction
Frequently Asked Questions
If you are considering mastectomy in India, these questions and answers can help you make a confident, informed decision.
Popular choices for mastectomy in India include Kamineni Hospital, Tadigadapa, Manipal Hospital Bhubaneswar, Manipal Hospital Mukundapur, Manipal Hospital Dhakuria, Manipal Hospital Malleshwaram, known for experienced specialists and advanced surgical infrastructure.
Look at the doctor’s years of experience, hospital association, patient reviews, and how often they perform mastectomy. MediFyr helps you compare general surgeons and book consultations online.
The overall cost depends on hospital category, surgeon’s experience, room type, implant or device used (if any), length of stay, tests, and post-operative care. Our team can help you get cost estimates from multiple hospitals before you decide.
Procedure cost in other countries
Here is an overview of how the estimated cost, hospital stay, and recovery time for mastectomy compare across other countries where we have data.
| Country | Estimated cost range | Typical stay | Recovery time | View details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| India | INR 150 Thousand – 500 Thousand | 1-3 days | ~ 4-6 weeks for basic recovery; 6-12 months for full recovery and adjustment, especially with reconstruction | Know More |
| Turkey | TRY 525 Thousand – 1.75 Million | 1-3 days | ~ 4-6 weeks for basic recovery; 6-12 months for full recovery and adjustment, especially with reconstruction | Know More |
Top hospitals for Mastectomy in India
These partner hospitals in India have dedicated general surgery teams and experience managing patients undergoing mastectomy.
Priya Chopra is a 42-year-old software...
Priya Chopra is a 42-year-old software engineer and mother of two young children. She has a strong family history of breast cancer, with her mother and aunt both being diagnosed in their 40s. Priya was vigilant about screenings and opted for genetic testing, which revealed she carried the BRCA1 gene mutation. Despite having no symptoms, her oncologist and a genetic counselor recommended a risk-reducing bilateral mastectomy to drastically lower her future cancer risk. The procedure was performed electively as a nipple-sparing mastectomy with immediate reconstruction using implants. Her physical recovery was smooth, managed with a few weeks of limited arm movement and discomfort. Emotionally, it was a profound journey. Before surgery, she grappled with fear of the unknown and grief over losing a part of her body, but her decision was rooted in a fierce desire to be there for her family. Afterward, she felt an overwhelming sense of relief and empowerment, viewing the surgery not as a loss, but as a proactive step to secure her future. She became an advocate for genetic counseling in her community.
General surgeons for Mastectomy
Explore experienced general surgeons who regularly perform mastectomy and provide pre- and post-operative care in India.
- 31 Years Experience
- General surgeon
Miot Hospital Chennai, Chennai
- 18 Years Experience
- General surgeon
Manipal Hospital Yeshwanthpur, Bangalore
- 18 Years Experience
- General surgeon
Manipal Hospital Yeshwanthpur, Bangalore
- 15 Years Experience
- General surgeon
Manipal Hospital Yeshwanthpur, Bangalore
- 11 Years Experience
- General surgeon
Manipal Hospital Yeshwanthpur, Bangalore
- 9 Years Experience
- General surgeon
Manipal Hospital Yeshwanthpur, Bangalore
- 27 Years Experience
- General surgeon
Manipal Hospital Sarjapur Road, Bangalore
- 24 Years Experience
- General surgeon
Manipal Hospital Sarjapur Road, Bangalore
- 13 Years Experience
- General surgeon
- 16 Years Experience
- General surgeon
Manipal Hospital Whitefield, Bangalore
- 13 Years Experience
- General surgeon
Manipal Hospital Whitefield, Bangalore
- 37 Years Experience
- General surgeon
Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore
- 26 Years Experience
- General surgeon
Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore
- 41 Years Experience
- General surgeon
Manipal Hospital Patiala, Patiala
- 11 Years Experience
- General surgeon
Manipal Hospital Patiala, Patiala
- 10 Years Experience
- General surgeon
Manipal Hospital Patiala, Patiala
- 18 Years Experience
- General surgeon
Manipal Hospital Mysore, Mysore
- 39 Years Experience
- General surgeon
Manipal Hospital Malleshwaram, Bangalore
- 37 Years Experience
- General surgeon
Manipal Hospital Malleshwaram, Bangalore
- 35 Years Experience
- General surgeon
Manipal Hospital Malleshwaram, Bangalore